Over the last two rounds of its Community Grant Program, TasPorts has awarded critical safety gear upgrades to six surf lifesaving clubs and volunteer marine rescue organisations across Tasmania.
Posted
12 July 2024
In the south of the state, clubs including Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue, Volunteer Marine Rescue Kingborough and Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club have completed fantastic projects that enhance water safety outcomes for Tasmanians.
These volunteer-operated marine rescue services have limited funding outside of basic necessities. TasPorts recognises the vital role of the surf club network and its members in providing essential educational and emergency rescue services to all users of Tasmanian beaches and coastal waterways.
“TasPorts is proud to support initiatives that improve marine safety in Tasmania and ensure the safety of waterways where we operate,” said Anthony Donald, TasPorts CEO. “We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of services that provide essential emergency support and are working to facilitate training, education, and awareness outcomes.”
“Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) and its members are essential in fostering healthy communities and ensuring safety in and around our beaches and port regions. We are immensely proud of the high level of community grant project applications we have received in support of these initiatives”, Mr Donald continued.
One notable beneficiary of the TasPorts Community Grant Program is Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue (FVMR) on the state’s east coast. Recently, FVMR acquired a used rescue vessel from Marine Rescue New South Wales but needed to upgrade its onboard equipment. Thanks to the grant, FVMR was able to purchase upgraded lifejackets, personal locator beacons, a UHF radio, and Milo communicators. The new beacons feature Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology for immediate local response to a person overboard, supplemented by traditional satellite location technology.
Unit Commander Col Barney highlighted the significance of the grant: “With TasPorts’ support, Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association has been able to provide a significant upgrade to volunteer safety and communications at a time when considerable funding was needed for the rescue vessel. This upgrade will allow volunteers to operate in a safe environment, supporting not only the traditional boating community but also a wider range of watercraft users, including jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.”
Volunteer Marine Rescue Kingborough a part of Surf Life Saving Tasmania, serving the waters surrounding Southern Tasmania, also benefited from the TasPorts grant. The unit replaced two outdated searchlights on their rescue vessel with modern, remote-controlled units, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.
VMRK Secretary Andrew Fogarty acknowledged the partnership, stating, “TasPorts' commitment to marine safety across the state is commendable. We are thrilled to receive another Community Grant to allow us to focus on our core role in supporting all aquatic users and our emergency services."
Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Australia’s southernmost surf lifesaving club founded in 1963, has been a central hub for its members and the surrounding communities. The volunteer-run organisation provides lifesaving patrol services during the summer months along with a successful nippers program, and regular community events.
Club representative Nicole Davey commented on the impact of the TasPorts grant: “The grant allowed us to add a special ‘rainbow rescue’ board to our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. The Pride Surf Rescue Board is a visible sign of progress and acceptance for everyone on the beach and is certified for use as a rescue board.”
Clifton Beach SLSC hosts a variety of events promoting diversity, including the Starfish Nippers program for children with additional needs and supports migrant communities to feel included in water activities, providing a comprehensive introduction to safely and confidently enjoying the Australian summer at the beach.
“Member and community feedback has been positive,” Davey added. “The rainbow rescue boards often serve as great conversation starters about our club’s services and how we are open to the community—everyone is welcome. This truly showcases the crucial role local surf clubs play in their communities.”
TasPorts’ commitment to supporting these organisations underscores its dedication to enhancing marine safety and fostering inclusive, engaged communities across Tasmania.
Applications for the next round of the TasPorts Community Grant Program will open on 1 August 2024. For more information, visit the TasPorts website.